New Delhi: This 'City of Monuments' bestowed with varied culture and magnificent structures was on Monday seen through the eyes of its residents who gave shape to their admiration through lens.

"Picture Perfect Delhi - 2012" - a photo contest that gave an insight to this "unique" city's life and heritage saw PTI's Manavendra Vashist winning the first prize carrying Rs 1 lakh, while Subhash Paul, Photo Editor, Rashrtiya Sahara won the second prize of Rs 75,000 along with Gaurav Chhabra and Jyoti Kapoor.

A total of 400 chosen photographs are on display at the Central Park above the Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in Connaught Place. Thirty-four persons, including photojournalists, who clicked some of the best photographs among the lot were awarded on Monday by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

The photography contest, organised by the Delhi Government, was first of its kind inviting entries from people from all walks of life.

Based on the theme 'Delhi', the contest received about 24,000 entries.The photographs were adjudged by a jury which included amongst others renowned photographer Raghu Rai.

"It was truly an emotional experience to see Delhi in all its shades and hues and more importantly through the eyes of the people," Dikshit said.

Thanking Rai for agreeing to be a judge, she said his presence has "raised the bar of the competition".

Appreciating the concept and planning of the event, she said the government will hold this contest each year from now.The third prize of Rs 50,000 each have gone to Ashish Rehi, Amarjeet Kumar Singh, Manish, Ashwani Kumar Sharma and Mahesh Singh, most of whom are not professional photographers.

25 entries have won fourth prize worth 10,000 each. They include Kamal Kishore and Vijay Verma of the PTI. Apart from these winners, 150 more meritorious photographers were given a copy of their work, signed by the Chief Minister.

The central park which was the venue for the event drew large crowds during the performance by band 'Astitva'. The photo exhibition will remain open on Tuesday and Wednesday.